'Best of the Chefs and Karaoke' fundraiser for Visiting Nurse Association of Staten Island (with photos)

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Irene and Bob Rando will play host to the “Best of the Chefs and Karaoke,” a fundraiser to benefit the Visiting Nurse Association of Staten Island, at the Staten Island Winery in Travis on Friday, March 21, from 7 to 11 p.m.

The Randos will offer a selection of fine wines from the Staten Island Winery.

Deejay and karaoke entertainment will be provided by Eddie and Matty from Crystal Image, and guests will have the opportunity to exhibit their vocal talents.

According to Jim Mitchell, vice president for public relations and community affairs, “Best of the Chefs and Karaoke is not a contest to determine the best chef or the best singer. Instead, it’s an opportunity for Staten Island’s best chefs to celebrate their finest cuisine, and an opportunity to highlight Staten Island’s finest singing talent in support of Visiting Nurse Association of Staten Island. Some say that the best chefs are made of iron; but Staten Island’s best chefs have hearts of gold. And of course, karaoke singers always sing from the heart. We are very grateful to the singers and the chefs for their generous participation. It promises to be a really exciting and wonderful evening.”

For tickets, priced at $85, and for additional information and reservations, call 718-816-3510.

‘MY ANGEL WITHOUT WINGS’ 

Lucy Perillo Buttermark, a founder of Eden II School for Autistic Children, will discuss her heartwarming memoir, “My Angel Without Wings,” and autograph copies of her book at the Garibaldi-Meucci Museum in Rosebank on Sunday, March 16, at 2 p.m.

Mrs. Buttermark’s book relates the story of her son, Johnny, who was expelled from school at age 5 due to his hyperactive nature and autism.

Advised by a doctor during the 1960s to enroll her son in the former Willowbrook State School, the Graniteville resident decided instead to school Johnny herself.

After a year of seemingly futile struggles, her tutelage began to pay off. Johnny began to learn and she believed that Johnny could reach his potential by enrolling in a school for autistic children, but none could be found in New York.

Along with five other couples, the Buttermarks decided to open Eden II School for Autistic Children in Mariners Harbor.

The book is filled with uplifting and humorous anecdotes.

Mrs. Buttermark’s message to other parents of children with developmental disabilities is that they should “never, ever give up on your child.” She hopes her inspirational tale chronicling Johnny’s journey to unprecedented heights in sports and life will prove to all that no disability, whether mental or physical or both, should prevent anyone from achieving success.

Admission is $10 which, includes a light reception, for non-members, $5 for members. Books are available for sale.

‘CUT FOR A CURE’ 

“Cut for a Cure” a fundraising event set for Sunday, March 9, at the HQ Salon in Oakwood, will benefit “Michael’s Cause.”

Haircuts between the hours of noon and 4 p.m. will be donated to the not-for-profit organization dedicated to finding a cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

As Theresa and Robert Capolongo continue to spread awareness about the disease, they’re asking Staten Islanders to assist them in sponsoring this fundraiser, as well as their annual Michael’s Cause dinner-dance, “Believe in Miracles,” set for Saturday, March 22, at the Hilton Garden Inn, Bloomfield.

Those interested in the March 9 event should telephone Ady Carlo at 718-667-8098.

Elite Dental of Staten Island has reported that Dr. Steven Acker of the practice has been named a clinical instructor at the Kois Center, located on the shore of Lake Union in the heart of Seattle, whose mission is “advancing dentistry through science.”

“In the field of dentistry, there are those who stand out amidst the rest as truly embodying excellence in who they are, and in what they do. It is this type of individual who inspires others and elevates the field of dentistry to a new level. You are this type of individual,” said John C. Kois, founder of the Kois Center, in the announcement letter sent to Dr. Aker.

Dr. Acker has been a mentor for the Kois Center since 2007. A clinical instructor is the next and highest level after being a mentor at the Kois Center. The clinical instructors are responsible for overseeing the mentors and assisting Dr. Kois in teaching and working with the doctors who are taking advanced courses.